Featured Employee Advocacy Experts

BestCompaniesAZ is Arizona’s premier Employer Branding and Media Platform — the place where PR, Marketing, HR, Talent, and Community intersect. For more than two decades, we’ve been the trusted voice amplifying Arizona’s award-winning employers — helping them attract top talent, inspire loyal customers, and strengthen their community impact. We’re not just telling stories — we’re building Arizona’s reputation as one of the best places to work and live by spotlighting the companies and leaders driving that vision forward. BestCompaniesAZ is the visionary and brand Ambassador for the following Arizona programs brought to Arizona over the last 20+ years: 1. The inaugural “2003 Best Places to Work in the Valley”, published by the Great Place to Work Institute and the Phoenix Business Journal. 2. The prestigious “Arizona’s Most Admired Companies” award, in partnership with AZ Business Magazine (Founding Partner, 2010-2019) 3. “Top Companies to Work for in Arizona” with azcentral.com and Republic Media (consulting partner, 2013-2019) 4. “100 Best Arizona Companies”, BestCompaniesAZ 10th & 15th Anniversary Lists (2012 and 2017) 5. "Top Workplaces in Arizona & Tucson" with Energage. Note: BestCompaniesAZ is NOT the organization that conducts the surveys or selects award winners. We’re a neutral platform promoting all of Arizona’s great companies.

Business Leader, Global Policy Expert, Media Personality, Author, Philanthropist, Founder at GCBR and TCSL Campaign Also Shinespot Light Cultivating Awareness Podcast, Fridays For Future Richmond (Richmond Park) and number of projects. Aquayemi-Claude Garnett Akinsanya is a multifaceted social entrepreneur, media strategist and sustainability advocate with over 7 years of experience in building impactful brands and campaigns. As CEO and founder of Garnetts Clothing Brand & Range and The Claudes SEN Law Campaign, he merges fashion, social justice and environmental advocacy to drive meaningful change. He is also a recognized public speaker and thought leader, featured by Forbes for his expertise in marketing and business growth strategies. Aquayemi-Claude has won the 2024 Global Recognition Award for his contributions to sustainable fashion, social justice and environmental causes. With a strong background in media, communications and nonprofit leadership, he actively mentors startup founders, influences policy on disability rights and promotes diversity and inclusion through board-level advisory roles.

Erin Herman is a globally respected leadership strategist and keynote speaker whose work sits at the intersection of change, human-centered leadership, and performance at scale. Over the course of two decades, she has advised Fortune 500 executive teams and global institutions on how to lead through uncertainty with courage, empathy, and clarity—often in moments where the stakes could not be higher. Her leadership experience includes senior roles with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the United Nations, where she helped shape global corporate partnership strategies in service of the world’s most vulnerable populations. While working within the United Nations system through UNICEF, Erin co-created the Learning Passport in partnership with Microsoft and Cambridge University—an online and mobile education platform designed to deliver continuous access to quality learning for children affected by conflict, displacement, and crisis. The platform has since reached learners in more than 40 countries and was recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 Best Inventions and ranked by the Project Management Institute as the third most influential project in the world. Erin also played a central role in securing one of the largest philanthropic commitments ever made to a children’s hospital: a $300 million, 10-year partnership that continues to drive life-saving impact at scale. Today, Erin is known for translating extraordinary global experience into clear, grounded insight for leaders navigating complexity in the modern workplace. She is the creator of the CEG Method™ (Courage, Empathy, Growth Mindset) and the 4Cs Methodology™ (Conviction, Courage, Clarity, Confidence), frameworks trusted by organizations seeking sustainable change without burnout or performative leadership. A sought-after voice on women’s leadership, organizational culture, and decision-making under pressure, Erin is recognized for her ability to cut through noise with intelligence, warmth, and precision—delivering perspective that is both deeply human and powerfully actionable.

I am a trailblazing people and culture executive with experience building high-performing organizations in the life sciences, biotech, pharma, manufacturing, tech, telecommunications, logistics, fashion, travel and aviation sectors. I combine strategic vision with deep empathy and cross-functional relationship building to unlock both individual and business potential, specializing in scaling people operations for high-growth companies. My approach centers on authentic leadership and harnessing data-driven decision-making to consistently deliver demonstrated success. Throughout my career, I've driven significant organizational transformations, including growing companies 588% in headcount, reducing new hire turnover by 35%, and delivering $3.5M+ in cost savings through innovative talent management solutions. As a trusted C-suite advisor and board partner, I've led 7+ successful M&A integrations with up to $1.1B in value, built elite P&C functions from the ground up, and championed initiatives that resulted in recognition as an employer of choice. I am a passionate people leader who thrives in fostering cultures where employees thrive and businesses excel. I am an impeccable relationship builder with expansive industry experience & expertise with a relentless dedication to creating transformational people experience teams that drive employee engagement, disrupt the status quo, and position the company for maximum performance, competitive advantage, and bottom-line growth.

Stepan Kazaryan is a Business Management Consultant focused on digital presence, professional evaluation, and how public information shapes decision-making in modern business environments. His work centers on helping organizations and professionals understand how they are perceived before direct interaction occurs. In search-driven systems, evaluation often happens silently and quickly. Stepan advises clients on building structured digital foundations that support credibility over time. His approach emphasizes clarity, consistency, and responsible positioning rather than short-term visibility tactics. He works with executives, founders, and professional service providers who recognize that digital footprints influence trust, partnerships, and opportunity flow. By aligning websites, public profiles, and third-party references, Stepan helps create stable professional narratives that reduce uncertainty during evaluation. Rather than focusing on reactive measures, his advisory framework prioritizes preparation. This includes analyzing how search results present a name, how information connects across platforms, and how inconsistencies affect perception. The goal is to strengthen long-term positioning in a way that feels natural and sustainable. Stepan frequently writes and speaks about digital identity, credibility signals, and the structural factors that influence professional trust in online environments. His perspective reflects a broader shift in how professionals are assessed in the age of search and public information accessibility. Through disciplined strategy and steady execution, Stepan Kazaryan helps clients maintain clarity in environments where perception often forms before conversation begins.

Jennifer Neeley is an expert in influence, trust and audience decision-making. She helps healthcare, technology and expert-led organizations understand why attention does or does not become trust, authority and action. Her perspective combines more than two decades in strategic marketing with experience in television journalism and teaching digital and influencer marketing at UC San Diego Extended Studies. She publishes The Influence Project and is available for sourced commentary on platform power, AI and search visibility, influencer marketing, healthcare trust, reputation and digital culture.

Anthony Stevens is a career champion and workforce strategist dedicated to empowering Africa’s next generation. By bridging the gap between young talent and high-growth organizations, Anthony helps young professionals unlock meaningful career pathways and build thriving futures across the continent.

Mike Podesto is a Career and Job Search Expert and the Founder & CEO of Find My Profession, a leading reverse recruiting firm that manages full job searches for professionals and executives. As a pioneer of reverse recruiting, Mike has helped thousands of candidates navigate competitive hiring markets by combining targeted job sourcing, direct outreach to decision-makers, and data-driven job search strategies. His team works across industries including technology, engineering, marketing, and executive leadership, supporting clients from mid-level professionals to C-suite executives. Mike’s expertise spans job search strategy, resume and LinkedIn optimization, networking, recruiting, and hiring trends. He is known for his practical, results-oriented approach to the job search process, with a focus on helping candidates stand out in crowded applicant pools and secure interviews faster. Under his leadership, Find My Profession has earned over 1,000 five-star reviews and has been recognized for its innovative approach to job search management. The company’s model is built on real-world recruiting experience and has helped place candidates in roles ranging from $100K to $1M+ compensation packages. Mike regularly advises on topics including job market trends, hiring practices, interview strategy, and how candidates can position themselves effectively in today’s evolving employment landscape. His insights are especially relevant for professionals navigating career transitions, layoffs, or competitive executive-level searches.

With a passion for advocating outstanding workplace environments, I co-founded Amazing Workplaces , an integrated HR platform dedicated to enhancing, enriching, and endorsing the best practices that form the foundation of successful organizations. As a Culture & Best-Practices Evangelist, I specialize in guiding companies to strengthen their employer brand through our 9-pillar framework, which includes Culture, Leadership, DEI, and more.My journey in the HR space has been driven by a commitment to transparency, innovation, and the belief that every organization can create an inspiring and supportive work culture. From launching certification programs to conducting employee satisfaction surveys, my work is focused on building and celebrating Amazing Workplaces around the globe.Connect with me to discuss how we can collaboratively enhance your organization's people management strategies, creating a more engaging and inclusive workplace for you and your people while elevating your employer brand.

Helping companies get mentioned in LLMs and gaining a deep understanding of why and where they need to be cited.

Sharon Delaney McCloud, CSP® is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, a Certified Speaking Professional and entrepreneur who has spent her career helping people harness the power of communication and human connection. After two decades in television news, Sharon co-founded a communications agency that grew into a three-time Inc. 5000 company. Today, she works with leaders and organizations around the world to strengthen professional presence, tell better stories, and build the relationships that drive lasting impact through her framework, The Connection Economy. Her life has taken her from growing up in East Africa to carrying the Olympic torch, performing for U.S. troops in the Persian Gulf, and navigating the joys and challenges of raising a family while building an ambitious career. At the heart of Sharon’s work is a simple belief: how we show up for people matters and the connections we invest in today can shape our legacy for generations.

Dynamic communications strategist and project manager experienced in talent acquisition and workforce development. Known for driving impactful partnerships, advancing brand cohesion, and crafting engaging content that amplifies organizational presence. Connecting people based on shared interests is my superpower. In the community, I serve on the board for Phoenix nonprofit Hope’s Crossing and the African-American Women’s Giving & Empowerment Circle (AAWGEC). I am a former Vice President & Civic Engagement Chair for the Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals and a 2020 Flinn-Brown Fellow. I enjoy writing, speaking, and moderating on issues such as workforce development, economic mobility, philanthropy, public spaces, and social entrepreneurship. Spending my free time on an affordable housing project in historic Globe, Arizona.

As the founder of Elevated Collective and co-founder of Elevated Health Equity, I am passionate about transforming business performance through human-centered solutions. Our work focuses on empowering organizations to thrive by prioritizing the needs of people—both employees and customers—while driving measurable results.At Elevated Collective, we specialize in professional development and training programs that inspire individuals to unlock their potential and achieve excellence. Through innovative strategies and tailored workshops, we help businesses cultivate talent, foster leadership, and build resilient teams.With Elevated Health Equity, our team collaborates with organizations to address systemic challenges and create innovative interventions designed to improve patient outcomes. Our mission is simple: to elevate businesses by putting people first. Whether it’s through leadership development, equity-focused strategies, or performance optimization, we are committed to creating meaningful change that benefits both individuals and organizations.As the founder of Elevated Collective and co-founder of Elevated Health Equity, I am passionate about transforming business performance through human-centered solutions. My work focuses on empowering organizations to thrive by prioritizing the needs of people—both employees and customers—while driving measurable results.At Elevated Collective, we specialize in professional development and training programs that inspire individuals to unlock their potential and achieve excellence. Through innovative strategies and tailored workshops, we help businesses cultivate talent, foster leadership, and build resilient teams.With Elevated Health Equity, we collaborate with organizations to address systemic challenges and create equitable solutions that enhance workplace culture and performance. By integrating empathy, collaboration, and continuous improvement into every initiative, we deliver sustainable growth for our clients.Our expertise has been trusted by highly respected organizations such as CVS, the CDC, PetSmart, Zapier, Boston Beer, and Homeland Security. Whether it’s through leadership development, equity-focused strategies, or performance optimization, we are committed to creating meaningful change that benefits both individuals and organizations.

Mike Maffei brings more than 30 years of experience from the hiring side of the table, including senior HR, recruiting, and workforce leadership roles with organizations such as The Home Depot, Sodexo, Staffmark Group, and Caterpillar Financial. Today, he is Founding Partner of AlediumHR, a national healthcare recruiting firm, where he remains directly involved in the hiring market, and Executive Career Advisor for Professionals 50+ through MikeMaffei.com. That combination gives Mike a perspective from both sides of today's hiring process. He can speak to what employers and recruiters are actually evaluating, as well as the challenges experienced professionals face in navigating executive job searches, age bias, AI-driven hiring, resumes and LinkedIn, interviews, overqualification, career transitions, and a rapidly changing employment market. He also provides commentary on healthcare workforce trends, recruiting strategy, candidate sourcing, executive search, and AI in recruiting.

Jennifer Sargeant is a digital marketing expert and the founder of Digital Sargeant, a relationship-driven marketing agency that helps small to mid-sized businesses build brand loyalty, generate leads, and drive real results through personalized strategies. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, Jennifer is known for her hands-on, data-backed approach that blends creativity with performance. Under her leadership, Digital Sargeant has become a go-to agency for businesses looking to elevate their presence across social media, search engines, and paid advertising platforms. Jennifer specializes in omnichannel marketing, SEO, retargeting, and community engagement—ensuring every campaign is not only seen, but remembered. A passionate entrepreneur, speaker, and mentor, Jennifer brings a deep understanding of business growth, audience psychology, and content that converts. Her mission is simple: to help brands show up with confidence and connect with the right people at the right time.

Chris Dyer is a recognized company culture and remote work expert. As a former CEO managing thousands of people, his companies consistently were named a best place to work. They have also been named a fastest growing company by Inc Magazine 5 times. Chris routinely consults and speaks, and Inc Magazine ranked him as the #1 Leadership Speaker on Culture. He has two bestselling books The Power of Company Culture and Remote Work, and has been named #5 on the Leadershum Power List, a Top 50 Voice in Leadership, a Top 40 Change Management Guru, a Top 50 Global Thought Leader, and a Top 50 leadership podcast, Top 50 HR Leaders Shaping the Future of Work, and a Top 101 Global Employee Engagement & Experience Influencers by Inspiring Workplaces and Work Buzz, just this year. As a keynote speaker his goal is to inspire audiences with a straightforward delivery, insightful candor, and engaging humor. His talks leave audiences permanently transformed, offering innovative perspectives on leadership to improve company culture, and empower organizations to discover new successes. Countless companies have unlocked productivity, performance, and profits by implementing his 7 Pillar Strategy.

I help companies create happy, healthy, and high-performing cultures through a unique blend of employee fulfillment strategies and gamified skills learning. At Give River, we go beyond traditional workplace perks by focusing on what truly drives people to stay motivated and thrive—personal growth, genuine connection, and a sense of purpose. Our platform addresses the core reasons people leave their jobs: lack of recognition, poor management, and strained coworker dynamics. Through peer-to-peer gratitude, professional development, and personal wellness, we empower employees to feel valued, grow personally and professionally, and stay inspired. Give River isn't just about engagement; it's about fulfillment, fostering workplaces where employees feel appreciated, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential. By working from the inside out, we help companies build cultures that attract and retain top talent, resulting in long-lasting success and increased profits for all.

Self-starter and entrepreneur with a passion for people, strategy, and innovation. Experienced in both Fortune 500 and start-up environments.